Baptism: To be or not to be

To be baptized or not to be, that is the question.

I know the Church of Christ teach you that you must be baptized to go to heaven. They believe that the water is how you get the Holy Spirit. While most Baptist and Non-Denominational Churches say that, Jesus is the only way. Baptism is just an action after becoming saved. You show everyone that you are saved by following in baptism.

Proof water baptism is not required!

You can get the Holy Spirit by hearing the Word. See Acts 10:44-48

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

See also Acts 2 where the Holy Spirt just came on them by Words. They were not baptized but got the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one that causes a person to feel the conviction and come forward to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Just like the Holy Spirit is our guide, that helps us live right and shows us when we do wrong as well. So you get the Holy Spirit before you get baptized. When you get the Holy Spirit you baptized by the Holy Spirit, not in water, but by the Holy Spirit coming to you.

If we look at it, the criminal on the cross was saved and he wasn’t baptized. Some faiths claim it was before the resurrection of Christ.  Romans 10:9 and Acts 16:31. This clearly says if you believe in Jesus, it never said if you believe and get baptized. So let me ask you, then, the Bible clearly says that those who believe in the Lord Jesus will be saved. Let me ask you this, a person is dying, they accept Jesus, just immediately after they die, will they go to heaven or hell because they didn’t get baptized? Some faiths believe they weren’t truly saved.

But that is not, so the Bible is clear that Jesus is the only way to heaven. We do not need to be baptized, but baptism is important next step, but you won’t go to hell for not being baptized. The water baptism as I said is to show everyone you are saved. It symbolizes the washing away of sins that Christ died on the Cross, we must repent and ask for forgiveness. Baptism is more of a religious ceremony, what truly saves us is the personal relationship with have with Christ.

Even Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that works don’t save us.

I do believe though as a Christian you will want to show everyone your profession of faith and follow through with baptism but it isn’t what saves you, Jesus is! He is the way, the truth and the Life (John 14:6). Plus is says those who believe in The Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:9 & Acts 16:31). I believe that if you accept Christ as your savior and repent you are saved.

Say you just done this and die and not been baptized yet. I believe you will go to heaven.

_{SOURCE:
gty.org/resources/questions/qa79
carm.org/is-baptism-necessary-salvation
The Holy Bible, verses noted above}

About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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